A Refugee's Refuge - C.A.R.E., Jan Underword
2020 Local Heroes Documentary Edition
Funded

A Refugee's Refuge - C.A.R.E., Jan Underword

Jan Underwood: Agent of C.A.R.E. helping to ease the transition for refugees while educating the community.

Length45:00
GenreDocumentary

Pitch video

Synopsis

When asked the question "Who would you consider a local hero?" for Red Deer Alberta, many answered without hesitation, "Jan Underwood". For over 18 years, this industrious, heart-driven woman eased the transition of grief-stricken refugees to a new beginning in Central Alberta through C.A.R.E, Central Alberta Refugee Effort. Jan now navigates her way through helping others in the midst of her own grief after the passing of Peter, her childhood sweetheart and husband of 42 years and father of their 4 children. Jan has always been a staple in Red Deer, making a difference to all who knew her since coming over from the UK. Jan has said, "I always encourage kids and tell them they are never too young to make a difference in the world and I hope I have accomplished that in mine." Which she has.


Production

Interview Roster

Coworker Interview 2
Coworker Interview 2

We talk to Jan's coworker about their experience working in C.A.R.E. Then we go on to talk about their experience working with Jan and how she has affected them in their own careers. We also ask how the community in large can assist in making these new Canadians feel welcome.

Refugee Interview 2
Refugee Interview 2

We interview another refugee on their journey to Canada. Then we ask them how that journey was touched by Jan. We also ask them about their adjustment and how C.A.R.E. has helped them adjust to life in Canada.

Refugee Interview 1
Refugee Interview 1

We discuss the refugee's journey from their native land to Canada. Then we ask how Jan has helped to facilitate their transition.

Jan with her husband, Peter.
Jan with her husband, Peter.

Jan is the subject of the documentary.

Coworker 1
Coworker 1

We talk to Jan's coworker about their experience working in C.A.R.E. Then we go on to talk about their experience working with Jan and how she has affected them in their own careers.

Daughters Interview
Daughters Interview

By interviewing Jan's daughters we can catch a glimpse of how Jan's journey has affected her daughters' ideals. We can also see what other passions Jan has beyond helping others.

Production Design

This image explains how we are going to approach a portion of the documentary. We will show how Jan has affected these peoples' lives.
The crossroads with no signs symbolizes the difficulty in finding a path in a new country. Jan guides new Canadians along their journey to help them find success.
This image helps explain how we want to approach the visual style of the documentary. We want it to be poignant yet uplifting with hope and happiness contrasting the difficulties of moving to a new country.
We want to know how Jan was able to show the richness of Canada to new Candians. We will show how they have embraced Canada and what living here means to them and their families.
This image helps to show how we envision the interview portions of the documentary to be set. Two people in a comfortable setting engaging in a one on one question and answer conversation.